Weakened Trump could become more unpredictable internationally
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Business Day (South Africa)
Jun Kajee and David Campbell argue that Donald Trump’s political weakening after the midterm elections could make him more unpredictable on the international stage. The US president would retain considerable room for manoeuvre in foreign policy, according to this opinion piece published on 2 November 2026 by Business Day.
The US midterm elections could weaken President Donald Trump’s domestic political position without substantially reducing his foreign policy powers, according to Jun Kajee, a columnist, and David Campbell, an associate professor of comparative politics at the University of Vienna. In an opinion piece published by Business Day, they argue that a weakened president could become more unpredictable internationally.
The authors link this political uncertainty to the increased risks South Africa could face amid political turbulence in the United States. The vote is set to determine the balance of the US Congress, while the White House retains extensive powers over foreign affairs, according to Business Day.
The analysis comes after Trump’s promise to become “Mr Veto” if Democrats win Congress, and after his threats against Iran at a rally in Iowa on 2 November.
